Many have traveled to New Orleans for bachelorette parties and Mardi Gras weekend extravaganzas, pounding down hurricanes and hand grenades. Don’t get me wrong, those are two historically acclaimed cocktails, but there is so much to do (and drink) in this fine city. I’ve decided to put together a guide outlining where to find the five best margaritas in New Orleans.

Qualifications: Fresh ingredients, 100% agave tequila and an inviting atmosphere.

Arana Taqueria y Cantina (Uptown)Arana New Orleans Drink Me

Step out of your Tex-Mex comfort zone and step into Arana Taqueria y Cantina. Authentic Mexican cuisine, fresh cocktails and premium spirits are featured at this authentic, Yucatan-inspired cantina. Whether you’re new to the agave scene or a tequila aficionado, Arana will certainly deliver. Opt for the refreshing Champagne Margarita. Who turns down bubbles? But while you’re here, you also have to try at least one, of the five, agave spirit flights.

Location: 3242 Magazine Street
Opening Hours: (7 Days) 11 AM – 10 PM and later
Price Range $$
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Mizado Cocina (Mid-City)Mizado New Orleans Drink Me

Have a seat in this contemporary style restaurant or bar, and discover authentic plates and finely crafted cocktails made with the freshest ingredients. If you’re in the mood for a refreshing margarita, then you have to start with the Cucumber Jalapeno Margarita. While you’re in New Orleans, embrace the heat. This margarita is refreshing with the perfect spicy kick. Pair it with the delicious Tamale de Pato or the lobster tacos, and you’re in for a treat—trust me!

Location: 5080 Pontchartrain Blvd
Opening Hours: (7 Days) 11 AM – 11 PM and later
Price Range: $$$
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Felipe’s Taqueria (Downtown)Felipes New Orleans Drink Me

Felipe’s Taqueria is probably the best deal you’ll find in the city of New Orleans– fresh, hand-crafted cocktails and cheap eats. Just start with the house margarita, a pair of the Al Pastor tacos and thank us later.

PS – When you’re done, venture upstairs to Tiki Tolteca if you’re in the mood to add a little tiki to your diet.

Location: 01 North Peters
Opening Hours: (7 Days) 11 AM – 11 PM and later
Price Range: $
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Johnny Sanchez (CBD)Johhny Sanchez New Orleans Drink Me

Johnny Sanchez is chic, but comfortable and casual. It’s also a margarita destination you can’t miss while in New Orleans. Their spirit-forward margaritas are made with fresh ingredients and fine tequila. Try the Margarita de la Casa or the featured margarita of the month—you’ll be glad you did! Better yet, try both. We won’t judge!

P.S. Their happy hour features ½ off margarita pitchers! Who said you can ever have too much of a good thing?

Location: 930 Poydras
Opening Hours: (7 days) 11 AM – 10 PM and later
Price Range: $$$
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Booty’s Street Food (Bywater)Bootys New Orleans Drink Me

This Bywater neighborhood gem transcends borders with international street food and globally inspired cocktails. Booty’s has partnered with Meltdown Popsicles to create the Meltdown Margarita, a hand-crafted margarita built specifically around the popsicle flavor selected. However, don’t stop at the margarita, part of the experience is in the loo. That’s right, custom installations by local artists take over the bathroom at Booty’s and create an experience you won’t forget!

Location: 800 Louisa Street
Opening Hours: (7 days) 9 AM – 10 PM and later
Price Range: $$
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Remember, 100% agave tequila and fresh ingredients are the building blocks of handcrafted margarita perfection.

Have you had a good margarita lately? Let us know in the comments below.

Christine Bondick (City Ambassador, New Orleans, Louisiana)